Testing Positive

Last updated: August 19, 2021 at 3:21 PM

There is no stigma associated with testing positive for COVID-19. In fact it’s very important that you let the appropriate people on campus know immediately if you do receive a positive test result. This way, steps can be taken to keep those around you safe, as well as monitor your own health.  

First Steps

On-Campus Students

• Immediately return to and remain in your room; you will be contacted by the Health Center with further instructions.
• Be particularly vigilant in following mask-wearing protocols.
• Have a bag prepared in case you are to be relocated to isolation housing. Recommended items to bring include: 
  • Sheets, pillows, towels
  • Medications that you need or may need for the next 10 days (delivery can be arranged )
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, etc.)
  • Comfortable clothes for 10 days (laundry service as needed is on Wednesdays).
  • Technologies needed (computers, cell phones, chargers, etc.)
  • Books needed (books for class or leisure)
  • Any food, snacks, or drinks you have and love (food will be delivered, but if you have some favorite snacks, bring them!).

• A medical professional at the Health Center will determine next steps, which will include relocation to isolation housing.
• On-campus students may isolate off-campus, so long as they follow isolation guidelines and restrictions set out by Brandeis, the state of Massachusetts and the Centers for Disease Control.
  • Please note: To return to campus, you will need the approval of the Health Center.
• Students must self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and fill out the online Daily Health Assessment. The form must be filled out every day during isolation.
• The Health Center in collaboration with the local health department will make a clinical determination on when you can leave isolation.
• Brandeis is required by law to report a positive result to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. A medical provider will call you to provide more information and instructions and to ask about your close contacts. Failure to cooperate with contact tracing efforts may result in a $500 fine per violation.
• If a student hosts a gathering in their off-campus residence, and a guest later tests positive, the host is required to notify the local Board of Health and assist with contact tracing. Failure to do so could result in a fine of $500 per violation. 
• The university’s amnesty policy applies to students who willingly and cooperatively participate in Contact Tracing efforts 

Off-Campus Students

• Do not come to campus unless it is to visit the Health Center.
• Contact the Health Center or your own health care provider to coordinate your care and treatment.
• Remain isolated in your off-campus residence. Isolation means staying inside and limiting exposure to others. 
• Be particularly vigilant in following mask-wearing protocols.
• The Health Center in collaboration with the local board of health will make a clinical determination regarding the date of release from isolation.

• Brandeis is required by law to report a positive result to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. A medical provider will call you to provide more information and instructions and to ask about your close contacts. Failure to cooperate with contact tracing efforts may result in a $500 fine per violation.
• If a student hosts a gathering in their off-campus residence, and a guest later tests positive, the host is required to notify the local Board of Health and assist with contact tracing. Failure to do so could result in a fine of $500 per violation. 
• The university’s amnesty policy applies to students who willingly and cooperatively participate in Contact Tracing efforts.

Faculty and Staff

• Do not come to campus.
• Notify your immediate supervisor of your absence and report your illness symptoms to the Brandeis Occupational Health Specialist at 781-736-8757.
• You must stay home or at another off-campus residence and isolate. Isolation means staying inside and limiting exposure to others except in the case of needed or urgent medical care.
• Be particularly vigilant in following mask-wearing protocols.
• You must obtain and provide the Occupational Health Specialist with written documentation from your health care provider that you are cleared to leave isolation.
• Official notice that you can return to campus will be sent via email from the Occupational Health Specialist, who can be reached at 781-736-8757. You cannot return to campus unless you’ve received this notification.
• If a faculty or staff member hosts a gathering in their off-campus residence, and a guest later tests positive, the host is required to notify the local Board of Health and assist with contact tracing. Failure to do so could result in a fine of $500 per violation. 
• The university’s amnesty policy applies to faculty and staff who willingly and cooperatively participate in Contact Tracing efforts 

Supports For Those Testing Positive

On-Campus Students

The Dean of Students Office is also ready to support you. They may be reached at 781-736-3600. 

Meals

Meals will be delivered to you. Should you experience any issues with dining or meal delivery during quarantine, Sodexo has set up a number, 781-736-4345, to address any issues during meal hours.

Academics

As long as your health allows, plan to continue working on your classes while in isolation. Upon entering isolation, please notify your instructors and ask for ways to participate remotely.

Health Center

The Health Center, in collaboration with the local board of health, based on testing results, dates of exposure and symptom assessment will make a clinical determination regarding the date of release from isolation (for both on-campus and off-campus students).

The Health Center and Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) are available for telehealth services and will assist in coordinating care with health care providers and arranging delivery of medications.

In case of an emergency, Brandeis will arrange transportation to a local hospital.

To leave isolation, you must receive approval from the Health Center.

Off-Campus Students

The Dean of Students Office is also ready to support you. They may be reached at 781-736-3600. 

Do not come to campus. Isolate in an off-campus location.

Health Center

Contact the Health Center or your own health care provider to coordinate your care and treatment. The Health Center is available for telehealth services.

The Health Center in collaboration with the local board of health, based on testing results, dates of exposure and symptom assessment will make a clinical determination regarding the date of release from isolation (for both on-campus and off-campus students).

Counseling

The Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) is available for telecounseling services if you are isolating in the state of Massachusetts and can assist you in finding support if you are isolating outside of Massachusetts.

Faculty and Staff

Notify your immediate supervisor of your absence and report your illness symptoms to the Brandeis Occupational Health Specialist at 781-736-8757.

Do not come to campus. Isolate in an off-campus location. Isolation means staying inside and limiting exposure to others except in the case of needed or urgent medical care. 

To leave isolation, you must obtain and provide the Occupational Health Specialist with written documentation from your health care provider that you are cleared to leave isolation. Official notice that you can return to campus will be sent via email from the Occupational Health Specialist. You cannot return to campus unless you’ve received this notification.